Captain Nemo looks poised to notch his first win since March. PHOTO: Trish Dunell.
Captain Nemo the one to beat at Albion Park today - he had flashing light on him last time
By Barry Lichter • 6 December 2022
Captain Nemo might have run only sixth last start but the way he ran to the line was like a red flashing light for punters.
And from a perfect draw of two at Albion Park this evening, in a lesser quality field, Lincoln Farms’ four-year-old looks like he could even start favourite in the seventh race.
Trainer Mark Dux believes Captain Nemo needs only average luck to be the one to beat.
“I can’t see why he won’t be right in the thick of things. I’m really happy with him.”
Dux was thrilled with how Captain Nemo finished off his race seven days ago, powering home from last at the 300 to finish sixth, albeit 14.8 metres from the winner.
Nemo was credited with the second fastest last quarter of the race, 27.9, and the on-screen graphics in Brisbane had him the fastest horse in two of the last three sections.
“They ran a mile rate of 1:52.8 and Angus (Garrard) said he ran right through the line so I think he’s right back on track.
“I was thrown for a six in his previous start (when he dropped right away) but it became obvious right after the race that he was crook. A heap of thick mucous came out and he took a week to get over it.
“That was his only bad run this time in - his first run back was excellent.”
Dux says the plan today is to let Nemo come out of the gate under his own steam.
“Angus will just play it by ear. If he’s happy to flop out, he’ll go with that or if he wants to run, he’ll just go with the horse.
“He’s well up to beating them, he just needs no bad luck.”
Captain Nemo was the $3.50 fixed odds favourite on the New Zealand TAB this morning.
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Les Harding
Monday at Globe Derby
Race 6: Beaudiene Rocknroll
6.34pm NZ time
This race will tell us how he measures up against the local horses. We decided to go for this lower graded race, despite having lower prize money, instead of going to the trials one more time. He won the second of two trials on April 21, beating race rival Hezrockinroyalty by four metres. Run over 2230 metres he clocked 57.7 for his last half and 1:59.7 for his last mile. From the pole he’ll start short and be hard to beat.
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 7: Lincoln Lou
8.25pm
“He’s a beautiful little horse who doesn’t do anything wrong. He got held up at a crucial time last week and got home well (for sixth). He gets out pretty well so should get a good trip from two. He’ll go his usual honest race. He’s improving all the time, he’s a gutsy little guy, but whether he can measure up to the favourites remains to be seen.”
Race 7: Sugar Ray Lincoln
8.25pm
“He’s a work in progress and we’re still dabbling with his gear. He’s actually a naturally good-gaited horse, like all the American Ideals, but he’s going through a stage of not really knowing why he’s out there. You just don’t know when he’ll click but three is an ideal draw for him and he should be handy if he does things right.”
Race 9: Leo Lincoln
9.20pm
“He’s an under-rated horse, as good as those others who are higher rated. He’s proving to be a tidy horse and, while he’s not viewed as a serious player by some, I think he is. He was closing off really well last week behind Hugotastic.”
